16-year-old suspected drug courier nabbed in Caloocan City

A 16-year-old was arrested in Caloocan City Wednesday night after he was found to be carrying P25,000 worth of suspected shabu, sumpak or improvised gun, and some plastic sachets, GMA News' Victoria Tulad reported on "Unang Balita."

The police said they received a tip that shabu would be sold in Barangay 186 in Caloocan City.

"Nagresponde 'yung tropa po natin du'n. It so happened na 'yung nahuli natin na suspect 'yun ang tumutugma na dini-describe na personality," said Caloocan Drug Enforcement Unit head Police Chief Inspector Timothy Aniway Jr.

The young man admitted that he was a drug courier or runner. He denied, however, that he owned the sumpak or handmade gun.

He has been working as a drug courier for one week after he was convinced by a certain "Erwin."

When asked for the reason he agreed to do the work, the boy replied, "Kasi po may pera e."

He also said that he is given P100 per delivery that he makes.

When he was asked where he spends his money, the boy replied, "Pambili po ng damit."

He admitted that at first he was scared to work as a runner. However, he now regrets agreeing to do work as drug courier.

"'Di na po. Iiwas na lang po ako," he told GMA News.

"Islander ang sinasabi niyang pinaka-leader-leader nila. Mga 19 years old. Tapos 'yung mga sumunod du'n, alyas Erwin ata. 'Yun daw ang taga-produce ng supply nila tapos siya naman ang nagde-deliver sa a certain alias Aning," Aniway said.

The young man's parents were not aware that he was involved in the illegal drug trade. He was known to be a quiet boy.

"'Yun pa naman sinasabi ko sa kanya, bawal 'yan," the boy's mother said.

"Kung sinoman ang nag-utos sa anak ko, sana naman huwag na kayong magpapahamak ng tao," she added.

Caloocan Police Chief Senior Superintendent Jemar Modequillo said even if the suspect is a minor, a case can still be filed against him.

"Once na umabot tayo, ang edad ng bata ng 15 years and one day at ang penalty ng offense na kanyang kinakasangkutan ay may penalty na six years and above ay pwede nang ihabla," he said.

Authorities reminded parents to closely watch over their children. —BAP/KG, GMA News